Disaster Mesh

ABSTRACT

Disaster Mesh is a small entity headed equally by Katelyn Dunn, Margaux Giles, and Karla Dana, that created the Disaster Mesh WiFi mesh network. The mesh network is connected by WiFi routers with solar panel chargers referred to as “seeds”. Each seed, is distributed by air drop within 30 meters. The seeds utilize the mesh network capabilities, and route devices to the Internet through the few seeds that also have a modem. The modem has a direct connect to the Internet, and supplies Internet to the rest of the seeds. Once connected, the user presses buttons to respond to questions regarding to their situation. The user&#39;s answer and GPS coordinates are collected and analyzed by Disaster Mesh. Disaster Mesh compiles the data into a map that contains information on the specific needs of the affected area.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applicationnumber 62/040,353, filed on Aug. 21, 2014, which is incorporated hereinin its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

Telecommunications Networks

BACKGROUND

Common communications networks used in disaster relief include hand-heldradios, cellular networks and mesh networks.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In disaster relief scenarios, a common problem that arises is thatcommunication networks are not readily available on short notice forboth the disaster survivors and first responders. In the scenario of thehandheld radio/car radio, only disaster responders are able to transmitdata to survivors, but survivors don't have the opportunity to transmitdata to the survivors; in the scenario of cellular network, the networkonly covers some types of disasters, due to the fact that in severaldisasters cellular networks are destroyed—therefore this is not areliable network. In the scenario of mesh networks, there is noefficient way to distribute the mesh nodes throughout a disaster struckarea, as roads are commonly blocked and infrastructure disrupted.

The lack of an effective and efficient way of creating a real timecommunications network in disasters creates a situation whereby disasterresponders have no way of rapidly contacting survivors, and vice versa;which consequently creates a situation whereby disaster responders havea reduced effectiveness in locating survivors and prioritizing resourcesas they lack information of exactly what is needed by what survivors.Furthermore, the lack of reliable infrastructure after a disasterprevents survivors from having an effective way of contacting theirfamilies or other survivors.

It is an object of this invention to solve these problems by utilizingan air-deployable mesh network using air-droppable devices with fixedwings, which function as individual mesh nodes and upon landinginstantly establish a mesh network across the entirety of the zone intowhich they are air-dropped.

This invention does not rely on existing infrastructures, beingsolar-powered, containing a USB port and onboard battery for survivorsor disaster responders to charge their devices, and relying only 3rdparty services to extend their functionality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the internal parts of one device FIG. 2. is adiagram showing the weight distribution of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disaster Mesh is a wireless local area mesh network (WiFi) which isair-deployed in disaster-affected areas to create Internet connectivityamong disaster survivors and disaster responders. Additionally, DisasterMesh, not only provides an Internet connection to disaster survivors,but provides a platform to collect useful data on disaster-affectedindividuals. The information reported into the platform by disastersurvivors is analyzed and used to maximize relief efforts.

Disaster Mesh is a small entity headed by Margaux Giles, Katelyn Dunn,and Karla Dana. These individuals are the creators of the Disaster MeshWiFi mesh network. The network operates in the following manner;Disaster Mesh creates a mesh WiFi network through the connection of meshenabled WiFi access point. Each of the access points (constructed fromrouters, solar panels, onboard batteries, antennas and onboard memory)will officially be named “Seeds.” Seeds (See FIG. 1) will be equippedwith solar panels to ensure that the WiFi network stays active whencommodities such as electricity and telecommunications are unavailablein disaster areas.

Each WiFi seed is modeled through biomimicry to replicate thehelicopter-like aerodynamics of a maple seed. When dropped, the seedsspiral to the ground, and land softly. The seeds are air-dropped by (butnot limited to) airplanes, helicopters or drones, within (but notlimited to) 30 meters apart. The seeds have a maximum distribution of 30meters apart to ensure that the seeds are able to connect to thenetwork, and within range. Each seed, with each other wireless to carrythe requested information to the internet via a pre establishedcommunication channel established by the disaster responders. The SuperNode which bridges the wireless mesh network to the Internet is providedby (but not limited to) a cellular service provider, fixed cableconnection or a Satellite link. Each seed, within 30 meters, utilizesthe mesh network capabilities, routing data requested to the SuperNodesthat will supply Internet to the rest of the seeds.

Once connected to the network, users are directed to a predefinedEmergency Response webpage. The full website will prompt usersstatements corresponding to their situation: “I need food,” “I needshelter,” “I need water,” “I need medical help,” “I am trapped,” and “Iam okay, and then continue to the Internet.” The user presses the buttonthat correlates to their situation. The answer and a GPS coordinate ofthe user is sent to a database which catalogs and prioritize theresponses for disaster responders to manage. Information from multipleusers is then analyzed to create an overall viewing map of the disasterstruck area with accurate data of the supplies needed in the differentareas. After answering the opening question, the user can continue tothe Internet. The information is then utilized by relief organizationsto allocate relief efforts more efficiently.

The Wifi Seeds provides wireless Internet access to those affected bydisasters, allowing for connectivity, communication of disaster-affectedindividuals, and stimulation of relief efforts.

Summarize: Disaster Mesh is a small entity headed equally by KatelynDunn, Margaux Giles, and Karla Dana, who created the Disaster Mesh WiFimesh network. The mesh network is connected by solar-powered WiFi accesspoints which are referred to as “seeds”. Each seed is distributed byairdrop within 30 meters of another seed. The seeds utilize the meshnetwork capabilities and route devices to the Internet through one inseveral seeds that also contain modems. The modems have a directconnection to the Internet, and supply Internet to the rest of theseeds. Once connected to the network via smartphones or other deviceswith WiFi capabilities, the user press buttons to respond to questionsregarding to their situation. The user's answer and GPS coordinates arecollected and analyzed by Disaster Mesh. Disaster Mesh compiles the datainto a map that contains information on the specific needs of theaffected area.

1) A modular data communication device comprises a solar panel, a WiFiaccess point, a battery, a USB port and a supporting frame. 2) Themodular data communication of device of claim 1 further comprises a GPSsensor. 3) The modular data communication device of claim 1 furthercomprises a light. 4) The modular data communication device of claim 1,wherein the device is in the shape of a silver maple seed. 5) Themodular data communication device of claim 1, wherein the device isconfigured to be air-dropped. 6) A mesh network comprises a plurality ofdata communication devices configured to connect to satellite internet.7) The mesh network of claim 6, wherein the mesh network works isconfigured to stand up to the elements.